The first ever Apple Mac Plus, which was given to Star Trek Creator Gene Roddenberry by Apple in January of 1986, is going to be sold at auction.
The Auction house expects it to sell for $800 to $1,200 so you might just be able to get your hands on it, although we suspect it will probably sell for a lot more.
“This is the personification of life imitating art. Gene Roddenberry’s vision inspired countless people to pursue careers in science and aerospace. This milestone computer, given to Gene by Apple’s innovators, is a symbol of this synergy,” said Joe Maddalena, president of Profiles in History.
The Historical Significance of the Apple Mac Plus
The Apple Mac Plus holds a special place in the history of personal computing. Introduced in January 1986, it was the third model in the Macintosh line and featured several significant improvements over its predecessors. The Mac Plus was the first Macintosh to include a SCSI port, which allowed for the connection of external devices such as hard drives and scanners. It also came with 1 MB of RAM, expandable to 4 MB, which was a substantial amount at the time. The Mac Plus had a long production run, remaining available until October 1990, making it one of the most enduring models in Apple’s history.
The fact that this particular Mac Plus was given to Gene Roddenberry adds an extra layer of historical and cultural significance. Roddenberry’s creation, Star Trek, has had a profound impact on popular culture and has inspired generations of scientists, engineers, and technologists. The synergy between Roddenberry’s futuristic vision and Apple’s innovative technology makes this a truly unique piece of memorabilia.
What Makes This Auction Special?
This auction is not just about owning a piece of technology; it’s about owning a piece of history. The Mac Plus being auctioned comes with its original keyboard and mouse, the original external floppy drive, and an Apple logo carrying case. These accessories are often lost or damaged over time, so having them included in the auction adds significant value.
Moreover, the provenance of this Mac Plus is impeccable. Given directly to Gene Roddenberry by Apple, it serves as a testament to the mutual admiration between two visionary entities. Joe Maddalena, president of Profiles in History, aptly described it as “the personification of life imitating art.” Roddenberry’s vision of the future inspired many to pursue careers in science and technology, and this Mac Plus symbolizes that inspiration.
The auction house expects the Mac Plus to sell for between $800 and $1,200, but given its unique history and excellent condition, it wouldn’t be surprising if it fetched a much higher price. Collectors and fans of both Apple and Star Trek will likely see this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of history.
The auction of Gene Roddenberry’s Apple Mac Plus is a significant event for both technology enthusiasts and Star Trek fans. It represents a unique intersection of innovation and imagination, making it a highly coveted item. Whether you’re a collector or simply a fan of the history of technology, this Mac Plus is a remarkable piece of memorabilia that embodies the spirit of innovation and exploration.
via Cult of Mac
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